JP2001276093A - Orthodontic bracket - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an automatic ligation bracket which overcomes various defects of the ligation bracket by the prior art and provides sustained arch wire holding force to fix the arch wire to the bottom of a slot during orthodontic treatment. SOLUTION: The automatic ligation bracket includes a coil spring segment to elongate a ligation member so as to fix the arch wire to the slot of the bracket. The end of the ligation member including the coil spring is engaged in a hole extending a proximal-distal direction on one side of a bracket body while the ligation member is engaged with a tie wing on the opposite side of the bracket body. Substitutively the ligation member is engaged with the bottom of the tie wing projecting on the occlusion side and gingiva side or is engaged with the bottom of the tie wing on one side of the bracket body, by which a closed chain loop allowing the passage of the hole extending to the proximal-distal side is formed on the opposite side of the bracket body.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[Cross Reference of Related Patent Applications] This U.S. patent application was filed on January 14, 1998, and referred to as "Auto Ligation Orthodontic Bracket"("Self Ligating O
No. 09 / 007,120, which is a continuation-in-part application entitled "Rhodontic Bracket").

[0002]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a combination of an orthodontic bracket and a ligating member for holding an archwire, that is, a holding wire in an archwire slot of the bracket.

[0003]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Tying an archwire to an orthodontic bracket is one of the most time consuming and frequently repeated procedures performed in orthodontic treatment. Typically, ligating has been performed using elastic "O" rings or soft stainless steel ties. Positioning and removing the "O" ring and tie ties is a time consuming and exciting task, increasing the time and expense of attending at the patient's couch. Generally, in these procedures, the archwire is
It is inserted into the archwire slot of the bracket already secured to the tooth. The archwire is then snapped into the slot by placing a ligating member over the archwire and engaging one or more wings to secure the archwire in place. The ligature is for continuously pressing the archwire against the bottom of the slot.

In various types of brackets, it is the bottom of the slot that is configured to align the teeth in the correct position along the continuous length of archwire. Thus, if the ligature does not continuously press the archwire against the bottom of the slot, the alignment of the teeth may have to be compromised. One disadvantage of the elastic "O" ring is that it tends to lose its elasticity in a very short time, thus eliminating the force required to secure the archwire to the bottom of the slot. As a result, the archwire may rotate or move within the slot, resulting in undesirable alignment. To eliminate such consequences, the ligature of the elastic "O" ring must be changed very frequently. Similarly, soft stainless steel ligating ties tend to quickly lose retention on the archwire, which also requires frequent replacement.

[0005] Alternatively, there are various bracket designs that attempt to entirely eliminate the need for tying. For example, "Activa" manufactured by A Company or "Omco" (Ormc).
o Corporation), "Speed"("Speed") and "Edge Lock"("E
dgelock ") and the like are typical examples of commercially available tethered brackets. All of the foregoing examples facilitate orthodontic procedures but compromise some design features of the bracket. The slot cavity is designed to have a certain fixed size, which is necessarily larger than the largest possible orthodontic wire available on the market, and the self-ligating formation increases the overall height of the bracket. This increases patient discomfort and often significantly limits the possibility that a locking mechanism in a self-ligating device will provide other desirable features, such as hooks, on a bracket.

[0006]

Accordingly, what is needed is a self-ligating bracket that overcomes the aforementioned disadvantages and provides a sustained archwire retention during the course of orthodontic treatment.

[0007]

[Means for Solving the Problems] In the broadest sense,
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention is an orthodontic device comprising a ligating member including at least one coil spring segment, the ligating member configured to continuously press an archwire or retaining wire against the bottom of the slot. Provide brackets for This results in a smaller, more comfortable bracket that can be quickly tied and may include other features, such as hooks, if desired. To this end, in accordance with the principles of the present invention, the bracket body has a mesial-distally extending slot for receiving an archwire or retaining wire, forming a closed loop and a tie including a coil spring segment. One member is included. The coil spring portion of the ligating mechanism provides an extension so that the ligating member can extend over the tie wing and the archwire or retention wire. After tying, the coil spring segments provide a continuous force that holds the archwire or retaining wire to the bottom of the slot. In this way, the archwire or retaining wire is held loosely so that rotation of the bracket does not compromise tooth alignment.

[0008] Another advantage of the present invention is that the self-ligating mechanism does not significantly increase the overall height of the bracket. Therefore, comfort of the patient is maintained. Furthermore, the shape of the ligating mechanism does not prevent the inclusion of other structural features, such as hooks, on the bracket body. Yet another advantage is that the present invention is suitable for brackets applied to both the lingual and labial sides.

Another advantage of the present invention is that the coil spring segments of the ligating member are two oppositely wound such that the ends of the ligating member engage the bracket in the same plane of space. A good thing is a coil.

Another advantage of the present invention is that the ligating member having improved resistance to fatigue employs multiple wires that are coiled for all or a portion of the ligating member. Is to be provided.

By virtue of the foregoing, one or more tie wings and other formations, such as hooks, if desired, an archwire or retaining wire and an arch wire that can be rapidly extended over the tie wings, A smaller and more comfortable orthodontic bracket is provided having a self-ligating member including at least one coil spring segment that continuously presses a wire or holding wire against the bottom of the slot.

[0012] These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the accompanying drawings and description thereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention with the foregoing general description of the invention and the following detailed description illustrates the principles of the invention. Help to do.

[0014]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring to FIG. 1, a tie comprising a length of wire and including a coil spring segment 14 for tying an archwire 16 to an archwire slot 18 extending in a mesial-distal direction. An orthodontic bracket 10 having two members 12 is shown. The type shown is a labial bracket for use with an archwire. It will be appreciated that the invention is equally applicable to lingual brackets and / or is used in combination with retaining wires. The coil spring segment 14 of the ligating member 12 extends so that the ligating member 12 can extend over the archwire 16 and engage with the occlusally projecting tie wings 20 and 22. In accordance with the principles of the present invention, ligating member 12 may engage one or more tie wings, which may project gingivally or occlusally.
The bracket may optionally include a hook 24.

In one embodiment, shown more clearly in FIG. 2, ends 26 and 28 of ligating member 12 are inserted into straight, mesial and distally extending holes 30 and 32, respectively. . These straight sections preferably extend at least one millimeter. The hole 30 is on the opposite side of the hole 32 along the same mesial-distal axis, either on the gingival or occlusal portion of the bracket body 10;
Each hole 30, 32 has a depth that is less than half the length of the bracket body 10. Each hole 30, 32 has at least 0.50
More preferably, it has a depth of 8 millimeters (0.02 inches) and a depth of about 1.27 millimeters (0.02 inches). The diameter of each hole 30, 32 is equal to or greater than the diameter of the wire used for the ligating member. For example, 0.1905 millimeters (0.0075
Inches) of wire is 0.254 millimeters (0.01
Inch) holes. Hole diameter about 0.1905
Advantageously, it is from 0.0075 inches to 0.015 inches. For example, holes 30 and 32 may be formed using conventional drilling methods such as a laser beam, electron beam or ion beam, or any other suitable method. The side of each hole 30, 32 (on the gingival or occlusal side of the bracket 10) deforms the internal holes 30, 32, and each end 26 of the ligating member 12 at the holes 30, 32 as shown in FIG. , 28 are pierced or punched. In the holes 30, 32, the end 2
Either method for fixing 6, 28 may be used.

Alternatively, as shown in FIG.
2 by passing a length of wire through a hole 34 extending in a mesial-distal direction of the bracket body 10.
Two closed loops may be formed. The diameter of the hole may be the same as the diameter of the holes 30 and 32. The hole 34 may penetrate the gingival part or the occlusal part of the bracket body 10. It should be understood that if holes 30, 32 or holes 34 were located in the gingival portion of bracket body 10, ligating member 12 would engage one or more occlusally projecting tie wings. is there. On the other hand, if the hole 30,
If the holes 32 or holes 34 are located in the occlusal portion of the bracket body 10, the ligating member 12 will engage one or more gingivally protruding tie wings. Alternatively, the ligating member 12 may pass under both the occlusally protruding tie wing and the gingival protruding tie wing without any portion thereof passing through the hole, as shown in FIG. It may be.

The ends 36 and 38 of the ligating member 12 are joined together so that the ends 36 and 38 are located within the holes 34 as shown in FIG. 6 or, for example, as shown in FIG. At any point outside the hole 34 to form a closed loop. The ligating member 12 may be made into a closed loop by brazing, welding, clamping, or any chemical, metallurgical or mechanical means, or a combination thereof. 5 and 6 show a sleeve type connection means 39 for joining the ends 36, 38 of the ligating member 12. FIG.

The ligating member 12 may be a single continuous length of wire, or one or more wires interconnected as long as the ligating member includes at least one coil spring segment 14. Is also good. Wire diameter is about 0.127
Advantageously, it is between 0.005 inches and 0.015 inches. As shown in FIG. 7, the coil spring 14 is provided inside the hole 34 and below the tie wing facing the portion of the bracket body 10 including the hole 34 or the holes 30 and 32, on the mesial and distal sides of the bracket body 10. May be located above the archwire 16 or at any other location that provides an extension for tying the archwire 16 to the archwire slot 18.
After ligation, the ligating member 12 with the coil spring 14 provides a continuous force pressing the archwire 16 against the bottom of the archwire slot 18 to promote desired alignment and undesirable movement. Alternatively, the rotation is prevented.

The ligating member 12 may be wholly or partially made of a Ti-based alloy or a superelastic alloy such as a Ni / Ti-based alloy or a Ni-Ti-Nb alloy or a shape memory alloy. I just need. The alloy may also be used, if desired, for example, Cu, Fe, V, Cr,
Components such as Co, Ta, Zr and Mo may be included. Advantageously, the material of the ligating member, especially the material used for the coil spring part, has twice the elastic restoring stress as the material used for the bracket body. The elastic restoring stress of the ligating member is in the range of about 100-1000 grams. Typically, the bracket body is made of stainless steel, but may be made of any other material such as, for example, Ti, ceramic, plastic, or composite. Any known bracket may be used in accordance with the principles of the present invention.

Yet another embodiment of the ligating member 12 of the present invention is provided in FIGS. In FIG. 8, two individual coils 42, 44 are wound in opposite directions from a midpoint 46, preferably from the center point of the spring coil segment 14, at the midpoint 46 for example arc welding, laser welding, microplasma. Joined by welding or any other metal joining technique. By winding the coil spring segment in the opposite direction from the midpoint 46, the ends 26, 28 of the ligating member 12 engage the bracket body in the same plane of space. This prevents misalignment of the ligating member 12, which can cause the spring to fail in use. In FIG. 8, the ligating member 12 is inwardly moved so that two straight leg portions 48, 50 can engage the ends 26, 28 with the holes 30, 32 of the bracket shown in FIGS. It is shown in a folded state. In this manner, the ligating members 12 are each connected to the individual coil 4 at one end.
2, 44, having two halves with straight portions 48, 50 at the other end, the two halves being joined to each other in a coil-to-coil (as shown) or straight End-to-end
(Not shown). However, it should also be understood that the ligating member 12 shown in FIG. 8 can be formed as a closed loop for use as a ligating member in the bracket 10 shown in FIGS. The ligating member 12 can be welded to the side of the bracket body.

In FIG. 9, a single coil spring segment 14 is attached to the end of coil spring segment 14 by, for example, welding or other metal joining technique.
There are two straight leg portions 48, 50, so that the leg portions 48, 50 are engageable with the bracket body in the same plane of space. 8, the ligating member 12 shown in FIG. 9 has two straight ends so that the ends 26, 28 can be engaged with the holes 30, 32 of the bracket 10 shown in FIGS. The leg portions 48, 50 are shown bent inward. However, it should be understood that alternative embodiments are within the scope of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 10, individual coils 52,
54 are wound in opposite directions with straight sections at each end, and the ligating member 12 has a central straight section 56 with an intermediate weld joint 58 and each of the central straight sections 56. The two halves include two coil members 52, 54 extending from the ends and straight leg portions 60, 52 extending from both coil members 52, 54 to engage the bracket body. Are joined at one of the straight portions. 8 and 9, the ligating member 12 shown in FIG. 10 is such that the ends 26, 28 are engageable with the holes 30, 32 of the bracket 10 shown in FIGS. Are shown with two straight leg portions 60, 62 bent inward. However, it should be understood that alternative embodiments exist within the scope of the present invention.

In FIG. 11, the individual coils 52, 54
Is a central curved portion 64 such that the ends of the ligating member 12 can engage the bracket body in the same plane of space.
From the opposite direction. As in FIGS. 8 to 10, the ligating member 12 shown in FIG.
8 is a hole 30 of the bracket 10 shown in FIGS.
Two straight leg portions 48, 5 extending from the ends of the coils 52, 54 to be engageable with
It is shown as having a zero. However, it should be understood that alternative embodiments exist within the scope of the present invention.

In FIG. 12, the ligating member 12 shown in FIG. 8 is formed not of the single wire cord shown in FIGS. 1 to 11, but of a plurality of wire cords. Multiple strands means that two or more strands are mutually twisted or braided. Stranding stainless steel wires is known to reduce wire stiffness. The more cords per inch, the less rigid the cord. In the present invention, the wire cord is also coiled in at least one segment 14 of the ligating member 12. as a result. Improved resistance to fatigue reduces the likelihood of ligating member 12 breaking in the patient's mouth.
In a preferred embodiment, where the ligating member 12 is made from a superelastic or shape memory alloy, such as a Ni / Ti based alloy, the material is inherently low stiffness and the No need to use. However,
In the present invention, the increased resistance to fatigue obtained by coiling a number of wire ropes and tying the bracket 10 with such coiled wire ropes is a significant advantage.

It should be understood that each embodiment of the ligating member described herein or within the scope of the present invention may be made from multiple wires. Further, for example, the coil spring segment shown in FIG. 9 may be made from multiple wires, while the straight leg portions 48, 50 may be a single wire. Alternatively, the coil spring segments 14
Can be a single wire cord, while the straight legs 48,
50 may be a number of wire cords. Thus, all or a portion of the ligating member 12 of the present invention may be made of multiple wires to increase the fatigue resistance of the ligating member.
The coiled, multiple wire strands are filed on the same day as the U.S. patent application and are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
"Multi-StrandCoil Spring" by Arzin-Nia)
g ") is described in detail in co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09 / 533,345, commonly owned with the present application.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the multiple wires are about 0.015 inches, preferably about 0.254 millimeters (0.01 mm).
Inches) outside diameter. The number of strands is preferably between about two and seven, with three strands being most preferred. Advantageously, the individual strands have a diameter of between about 0.0005 inches and about 0.007 inches.

While the invention has been illustrated by the description of various embodiments, while the embodiments have been described in considerable detail, they are not intended to limit the scope of the claims in any way to such details. Still other advantages and modifications will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. For example, the ligating member may be engaged with the bracket body in any manner, provided that it includes at least one spring segment. Thus, the present invention, in a broader aspect,
It is not limited to the specific details, representative devices and methods, and examples shown and described. Therefore,
Departures from such details are possible without departing from the scope or spirit of the general inventive concept according to the present application.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a bracket according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a plan view on the gingival side of the bracket shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the bracket shown in FIG. 1 partially broken away, taken along line 3-3 in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a gingival side plan view of a second embodiment of the bracket according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a lip side plan view of a third embodiment of the bracket according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a lip side plan view of a fourth embodiment of the bracket according to the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a lip side plan view of a fifth embodiment of the bracket according to the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a top view of an alternative ligating member for a bracket according to the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a top view of an alternative ligating member for a bracket according to the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a top view of an alternative ligating member for a bracket according to the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a top view of an alternative ligating member for a bracket according to the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a top view of an alternative ligating member for a bracket according to the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 12 ligating member 14 coil spring segment 16 arch wire 18 slot 20, 22 tie wing 24 hook 26, 28, 36, 38 ligating member end 30, 32, 34 hole 42, 44, 52, 54 coil spring 46 Midpoint 48, 50, 60, 62 Legs

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Rohit C., El, Satchdeva United States Texas, Plano, Courtside Lane 2605 (72) Inventor Thomas Buoy, Selky United States of America California, Claremont, N, Mills Avenue 1434

Claims (46)

[Claims] 1. A mesial for receiving an orthodontic wire
A bracket body having a distally extending slot and at least one tie wing; and a ligating member for tying an orthodontic wire to the slot, wherein the ligating member engages the bracket body;
A ligating member comprised of a length of wire including a plurality of coil spring segments. 2. The bracket according to claim 1, wherein said ligating member is made of a material selected from the group consisting of superelastic shape memory alloys. 3. The bracket according to claim 2, wherein said ligating member comprises a number of wire cords. 4. The bracket according to claim 3, wherein the multiple wire strands comprise about 2 to 7 strands. 5. The bracket according to claim 3, wherein the plurality of wire strands have an outer diameter of about 0.015 inches. 6. The method according to claim 6, wherein the plurality of wire cords are each about 0.012.
7 millimeters (0.0005 inches) to about 0.17
The bracket of claim 3 including a strand of wire having a diameter of 78 millimeters (0.007 inches). 7. The bracket of claim 1, wherein the at least one coil spring segment includes two coil portions wound in opposite directions from a midpoint. 8. The ligating member includes a length of wire including the spring segment intermediate two straight leg portions, the straight leg portions engaging the bracket body in the same plane of space. The bracket according to claim 7, wherein the brackets are combined. 9. The method according to claim 1, wherein said two coil portions are respectively a first and a second.
The first straight leg portion is mounted at the midpoint, and the second straight leg portion is
A bracket according to claim 7, wherein the straight leg portions of said bracket engage with said bracket body in the same plane of space. 10. The bracket according to claim 7, wherein said ligating member is a multiplicity of wire cords. 11. The bracket according to claim 10, wherein the multiple wire strands comprise about two to seven strands. 12. The bracket according to claim 10, wherein said plurality of wire strands have an outer diameter of about 0.015 inches. 13. The method according to claim 13, wherein each of the plurality of wire cords is about 0.01.
27 millimeters (0.0005 inches) to about 0.1
The bracket of claim 10, including a strand of wire having a diameter of 778 millimeters (0.007 inches). 14. The ligating member includes a coil spring segment and two straight leg portions mounted at opposite ends of the coil spring segment and adapted to engage the bracket body in the same plane of space. The bracket of claim 1 including a length of wire. 15. The bracket according to claim 14, wherein said straight leg portions are welded to opposite ends of said coil spring segment. 16. The bracket according to claim 14, wherein said ligating member is a multiplicity of wire cords. 17. The bracket according to claim 16, wherein the multiple wire strands comprise about 2 to 7 strands. 18. The bracket according to claim 16, wherein the plurality of wire strands have an outer diameter of about 0.015 inches or less. 19. The method according to claim 19, wherein the plurality of wire strands are each about 0.01.
27 millimeters (0.0005 inches) to about 0.1
17. The bracket of claim 16, including a strand having a diameter of 778 millimeters (0.007 inches). 20. The bracket according to claim 14, wherein said coil spring segment comprises a single strand of wire and said straight leg portion comprises multiple strands of wire. 21. The bracket according to claim 14, wherein said coil spring segment comprises a plurality of wire strands and said straight leg portion comprises a single strand of wire. 22. The bracket according to claim 1, wherein the at least one coil spring segment includes two separate coils wound in opposite directions and mounted at an intermediate point. 23. The bracket according to claim 22, wherein said individual coils are welded at intermediate points. 24. The bracket according to claim 22, wherein said individual coils are made from a number of segmented wires. 25. The ligating member includes straight leg portions each extending from a separate coil, the straight leg portions engaging the bracket body in the same plane of space. 23. The bracket according to 22. 26. A method according to claim 26, wherein the bracket body is a single mesial portion at the gingival or occlusal portion of the bracket body.
And having two opposing holes along the centrifugal axis, each of the holes extending into the bracket body to a depth of no more than half the length of the bracket body, wherein the ligating member is the hole in the bracket body. The bracket according to claim 1, wherein the bracket engages with the bracket. 27. The bracket according to claim 26, wherein the ligating member has two ends, each end being located within one of the opposing holes. 28. The bracket according to claim 27, further comprising means for retaining each end of said ligating member in each hole of said bracket body. 29. The system of claim 27, wherein each end of the ligating member is held in each hole of the bracket body by a crimp that transforms a portion of the bracket body into each of the holes. The bracket described. 30. The ligating member includes a length of wire including the coil spring segment midway between two straight leg portions, wherein the straight leg portion is within the hole.
27. The bracket of claim 26, wherein the bracket engages the bracket body in the same plane of space. 31. The ligating member is a length of wire including a coil spring segment and is attached at both ends of the coil spring segment to engage the bracket body in the hole and in the same plane of space. 27. The bracket of claim 26 including two straight leg portions. 32. The bracket according to claim 26, wherein the at least one coil spring segment includes two separate coils wound in opposite directions and mounted at an intermediate point. 33. The bracket according to claim 32, wherein said individual coils are made from multiple wires. 34. The bracket according to claim 1, wherein the ligating member includes two ends each welded to a side of the bracket body. 35. A first coil wound in a first direction from an intermediate point.
And a second portion wound from the intermediate point in a second direction opposite to the first direction. 36. The ligature according to claim 35, wherein said coil spring comprises a number of wire cords. 37. The ligature of claim 36, wherein the multiple wires comprise about 2 to 7 strands. 38. The ligature of claim 36, wherein the plurality of wire strands have an outer diameter of about 0.015 inches or less. 39. The multiplicity of wire strands is about 0.0127.
Millimeters (0.0005 inches) to about 0.177
37. The ligature of claim 36 including strands of wire each having a diameter of 8 millimeters (0.007 inches). 40. The ligature according to claim 35, wherein said ligating member is a single length of wire. 41. The ligature according to claim 35, wherein the ligating member comprises two lengths of wire joined at the midpoint. 42. A first straight leg portion extends from an end of said first portion of said coil spring opposite said midpoint and a second straight leg portion is opposite said midpoint. Extending from an end of said second portion of said coil spring, said first and second straight leg portions being engageable with a bracket body in the same plane of space. Ligation described in 41. 43. The straight leg portion includes a coil spring segment midway between two straight leg portions joined to each end of the coil spring segment so as to engage the bracket body in the same plane of space. An orthodontic ligature characterized in that: 44. The ligature according to claim 43, wherein said coil spring segment and said straight leg portion comprise a number of wire strands. 45. The ligature according to claim 43, wherein said coil spring segment comprises a single strand of wire and said straight leg portion comprises multiple strands of wire. 46. The ligature of claim 43, wherein said coil spring segment comprises a plurality of wire strands and said straight leg portion comprises a single strand of wire.